9/11 first responder, survivor to visit Latino Promise students

Will Jimeno, former Port Authority Police Officer and one of the last survivors to be pulled out of the rubble on September 11, is slated to speak to FDU’s Latino Promise students, faculty and staff at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12 in the Edward Williams Hall Auditorium. Jimeno’s 13-hour harrowing experience garnered national attention and eventually became the focus of the Oliver Stone film, “World Trade Center.” The entire Fairleigh Dickinson University community and the general public are also invited to the event.

Jimeno will be introduced by former Giants defensive lineman George Martin, whose nonprofit, “A Journey for 9/11,” raises funds for and awareness about the plight of 9/11 first responders. Martin began his work with a 3,003-mile walk from New York on September 16, 2007 and reached San Diego on June 21, 2008 raising over $2 million matching dollars. Along the way he visited schools, fire companies, police stations, and government offices, among others.

Together, Jimeno and Martin will prepare Latino Promise students, most of whom were just 7-years-old on September 11, 2001, to participate in Martin’s 7-mile walk from the George Washington Bridge to FDU on Sunday, September 23, 2012. As a partner in this event, FDU’s Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies deans, faculty, staff and Latino Promise students will join Martin as he completes his annual trek to honor 9/11 heroes.

Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan and Bergen County Freeholder Chairman and FDU Jon Mitchell will also be in attendance.